However, most of the time these factors do not lead to facial nerve palsy or birth trauma.

Symptoms:

The most common form of facial nerve palsy due to birth trauma involves only the lower part of the facial nerve. This area controls the muscles around the lips. The defect is seen mainly when the infant cries.

No movement (paralysis) on the affected side of the face (from the forehead to the chin in severe cases)

Signs and tests:

A physical exam is usually all that's needed to diagnose this condition. Rarely, a nerve conduction study is needed. Such a test can pinpoint the exact location of the nerve injury.

Brain imaging tests are not needed unless the health care provider suspects another problem (such as a stroke).

Treatment:

In most cases, the infant will be closely monitored to see if the paralysis goes away on its own.

Infants with permanent paralysis need special therapy.

Support Groups:

Expectations (prognosis):

The condition usually goes away on its own.

Complications:

Occasionally the facial muscles on the affected side become permanently paralyzed.

Calling your health care provider:

The health care provider will usually diagnose this condition while the infant is in the hospital. However, mild cases involving just the lower lip may not be seen at birth. A parent, grandparent, or other person may notice the problem later.

If the movement of your infant's mouth looks different on each side when he or she cries, you may want to call your health care provider.

Prevention:

There is no way to prevent pressure injuries in the unborn child. The proper use of forceps and improved childbirth methods have reduced the rate of facial nerve palsy.